HomeNewsEnvironmental & Sustainability NewsRed Seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis)

Red Seaweed (Asparagopsis taxiformis)

Written by

Why is it a problem?

Very similar to a New Zealand native, Asparagopsis armata which has harpoon-like structures on side branches. It travels on underwater equipment and via natural means, and can smother and displace native species.

How to identify this species

Look for the harpoon structures to identify this species:

The New Zealand native, Asparagopsis armata, has harpoon-like structures. The invasive species, Asparagopsis taxiformis, does not have these structures:

Check to see whether it is red seaweed
Check to see whether it is red seaweed

- Advertisement, article continues below -
Tauranga Boat Sales
Sea Ray Sundancer 275 (2006)
Sea Ray Sundancer 275 (2006)
59000
2006 | 9.00 m | 2006 Sea Ray Sundancer 275 — 9m fibreglass cruiser with rebuilt 350hp Mercruiser stern drive, 2-cabin layout, swim platform, full galley and shower. Only 30 hours since March 2023 rebuild. Tidy entry-level launch in Tauranga. Asking NZD $59,000.
Taxiformis in shallow pool of water // Photo credit: Clean below? Good to go.
Taxiformis in shallow pool of water // Photo credit: Clean below? Good to go.

From the team at Clean Below? Good to Go – visit marinepests.nz to get everything you need to know about marine pests ID, boats, rules and more.

Share this
Environmental & Sustainability News

Synergy protects our seas

The following editorial, Synergy protects our seas, appears in Surveillance Volu...
Read more
French Polynesia expands world's largest marine protected area across key Pacific cruising waters. // Hōkūleʻa Crew (screen grab)
Environmental & Sustainability News

French Polynesia expands world’s largest marine protected area across key Pacific cruising wat...

If you've done the passage north from New Zealand into the Pacific, you'll know ...
Read more
Environmental & Sustainability News

Highly invasive caulerpa seaweed found at Whangārei Harbour

The highly invasive seaweed pest Caulerpa has been found at Whangārei Harbour fo...
Read more

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent articles